Gaited Horse Trail Trials Update June 24, 2008
General
- Open to any greed of gaited horse or riding style
- A course may be several miles 1 2 hrs
- A horse may only be ridden by one rider
- Horses must be at least three (3) years of age
- There will be a juvenile and adult division helmets required for juveniles
- Copy of the course will be provided to each Competitor
- The trail will be clearly marked
- Obstacles are those naturally encountered on a trail ride
- Whenever possible, a safe way of bypassing the obstacle will be provided
Safety
- Common sense and safety are of prime importance
- It is the riders responsibility to determine if his horse is capable of competing.
- Each rider is responsible for his own safety and the safety of his mount
- Each rider must maintain control of their mount throughout the ride.
- Riding double, ponying an animal with or without a rider, or a loose foal on the side is not allowed.
Equipment
- A halter with lead rope or halter bridle mandatory
- A hoof pick mandatory
- A knife capable of cutting lead rope, etc. mandatory for adults
- Bareback pads prohibited
Attire
- Boots with a heel mandatory
- Any clothing suitable for riding
- Helmets recommended for adults and required for juveniles
Examples of Standards for Judging Obstacles
Mounting
- Cinch check required before mounting
- Horse stands quietly not moving
- Style not important smooth and does not unbalance the horse
- Reins must be held in hand
Water Crossing
- The horse walks quietly through the water
- Horses will not be penalized for stopping to drink
- Horses will not be penalized for acknowledging the obstacle before entering
Bridge
- Horse crosses quietly at a walk
- Horse may acknowledge the obstacle before starting to cross
- Horse steps on and off bridge quietly
Gate
- Gate may be negotiated either mounted or dismounted
- The horse/rider combination moves quietly and deliberately
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